Wise or Unwise

Yesterday, we met with Eli's teacher. She has some concerns about his behavior in class. It was really eye opening. He has been struggling with respectfulness to elders (including visiting moms and his old principal), with self-control in talking with his friends, and with really just being a know-it-all (his pride). When we sat down last night to talk about how to help him, I explained how I felt like I had worldly sorrow (I Corinthians 7:8-11). All I wanted was for my kids to be like "their" kids - You know, those people whose kids never give them or the teacher ANY problems. (I know "they" are out there. ;o)). Matt suggested that I think about my life and how it would look if I were diagnosed with a terminal illness. How would I interact with the people I love? How would I choose to train the boys? How would I choose to love him (He didn't ask this, I did)? Here's what I would change... I would SHARE MY FAITH with them (my boys and the people I love). I would open the Bible and share with them what I believe and why I believe it. We all want our children to carry on our legacy, and the people we love to see it. Honestly, this is what convinced me to have kids. A woman with many kids and a not so exemplary life, once asked me, "Do you not have anything in you which you wish will live on after you leave this planet?" When I thought about the fact that there are plenty of people having more children who are hopeless and without God, I knew that I needed to have kids to teach them how to be a light. I had the BEST thing in the whole world to pass on to them, GOD! But do I strive to pass that on? Do I teach them how to live from God's Word? Do I obey God so they can imitate me? I would PLAY with my boys and have fun with the people I love. I would make lasting memories with them, enjoying card games and Mouse Trap, watching their favorite movie snuggled under the covers and camping under the stars (which we are doing with our church this weekend). I would teach them to enjoy life, not dread it as I often have. I would teach them to appreciate God's constant care for us and not to worry about their life, because he is leading them and taking care of them (Matthew 6:25-33). I would teach them to LOVE as unconditionally as possible, seeing the best in people and letting go of the bad (Romans 12:9). We all have bad in us and it is easy for us to pick at the bad in ourselves and others when God describes love as clinging to the good in them. Love always hopes, trusts and perseveres (I Corinthians 13). Finally, I would teach them that TOMORROW IS NOT PROMISED TO THEM. I would challenge them to go live today like tomorrow will never come. We count on our tomorrows and forget that we are only promised this moment. Tomorrow is something we don't yet (and may never) have (James4:13-14). So, this morning, (which started just before 6:00am) I hugged my Eli close, I told him how much I loved him, I shared with him a verse which calls me higher every time I read it (below), and I encouraged him to think of how he could be wise today. We prayed and were thankful and he went away ready to start a new day with a new perspective. :o) And I am too!!

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. -Ephesians 5:15-20

Confessions of a Baby-Wise-Aholic

When I was pregnant with Eli, we met a precious couple at a church conference who had young children. As I expressed my concerns about being a mom, this sister shared with me her solution to all of my problems. Baby Wise! You can't imagine how this program has changed our lives.
The thought of the concepts scared me before Eli was born, but after a 16 day stay in NICU, where they use the Baby Wise method, I was SURE this was for us. Eli has since turned 2 and we continue using the principles of Baby Wise, Baby Wise II and Toddler Wise in our every day life. It is an amazing program which includes lots of sleep, time where Eli learns and explores on his own and planned times with his SANE mommy! It is really incredible and I would encourage any and every mom to get hold of this amazing gift to mothers! It is my guide for motherhood and I don't know what I'd do without it!
My confession, I LOVE Baby Wise and am enjoying Play alone time right now!! :o)

Two Front Teeth

Eli may be singing the song All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth for a LONG time, as he is likely going to lose his front right tooth. Today, he took a spill that ended with him hitting his tooth on the corner of a wooden box toy. :o( He is resting peacefully now. Matt will assess the damage in the morning and tell us what to do. He always knows what to do!

Ouch!!

I am pretty much worthless these days. I'm pretty sure I broke my tailbone. The funny thing is that I did it almost 5 years ago.
I was visiting and friend and fell down her stairs and am pretty sure I broke my tailbone, but due to the fact that I knew the doctor couldn't do anything for it, I just rested and the pain passed.
Well, a couple of days ago I had the same nagging pain I often have from sitting on something hard or sleeping in the wrong position. Unfortunately, unlike the normal pain, this pain has escalated to full on pain. I am now taking Percocet and Ibuprofen in large doses and am only coping with the pain when I'm taking them regularly.
I did have an x-ray today and will, hopefully, soon find out what is going on and what to expect as far as healing goes, but for now, I am just waiting and praying! Thank God because my BFF Emanda is off school on Thursdays and Matt is off on Fridays so I have been able to keep Eli's needs met through them the last couple of days, but a new week is approaching and I am praying God will provide hands to care for Eli as long as I must be in bed.
Resting and praying and waiting...

What Happened to Nap Time?!

For months I wondered when Eli would move into a one afternoon nap a day routine. He was 18 months before he decided he didn't need his morning nap and since then he has decided he doesn't need as much sleep all together. Not only have his nap times shortened, but his night has shortened as well.
Now, I know I shouldn't complain because his routine gives me a lot of "me" time throughout the day. The problem is that the me time has changed into me thinking about Eli time. Now, it is time filled with thoughts of how to entertain him when he's finished with "play alone" time or nap time or play at the park time or gym time. Not much me time isn't filled with thoughts of him...That's a mom's full time job, right?!
Anyway. The fact that I'm writing this blog proves that I have some time to myself! So, I'm going to keep doing what I do and be thankful!
I am truly blessed! God has been so kind to me to give me a healthy, vibrant son in spite of my extremely incompetent cervix. He is truly a miracle and I am so thankful!

My Little Bully

Eli has entered the "mine" phase. He is really starting to fuss and fight when other kids play with his things and bully kids wherever he goes when they have something he wants. :o(
When he went to play time at the gym the other day, while I was swimming, he pushed an older, bigger boy off a toy he wanted "with some force" according to the babysitter. She thought it was funny.
In kid's kingdom, at church, the other day, we peeked in on him stealing a toy from an older, bigger boy who appeared to be hiding his toy from Eli because it was not the first toy he took. :o( Sorry CJ!
Please send any advice and encouragement! I need all the help I can get.
I'm starting a book called "To Train up a Child" by Debbie Pearl...Any other book suggestions are welcome.
HELP!!

Eli's New Years Resolution...

Eli has 2 new year's resolutions this year to watch more tv and eat cereal at every meal. The cereal is no surprise seeing how I would eat cereal at every meal if I could. The tv thing is out of control! I have never seen anyting like it. The first thing that came out of his little sleepy mouth this morning when he got out of bed was tv. It is his first last and everything in between thing to do. Plus, the only thing he will watch is Moe and the Big Exit (Veggie Tales). Anything else is not Lo (Lone Stranger is the main song), and he will say, "Lo" until he gets his movie. I don't know what I'm going to do with him! I have widdled his tv time down to 2 a day. 1 time with each breathing treatment. But when the breathing treatments are over, which I pray is soon (2 weeks of them wares on you), he is not going to have tv for a WHILE! :o)